If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Hanover County, Virginia, fight back.

When your child leaves Hanover County to attend college, you trust that the university and its associated organizations will provide a safe environment. You believe they will foster growth, community, and learning. Never in your worst nightmares do you imagine them being subjected to brutal hazing rituals, enduring physical and psychological torment that leaves them hospitalized or, tragically, even leads to their death.

Unfortunately, this nightmare is a stark reality for far too many families across America, including those whose children attend institutions throughout Virginia and beyond. The hidden world of fraternity and sorority hazing, once dismissed as harmless tradition, is in fact a dangerous landscape of abuse that universities and national organizations have consistently failed to control. This is not about “boys being boys” or innocent pranks; it is about organized assault, psychological manipulation, and often, life-threatening physical abuse.

At Attorney911, we are at the forefront of this fight. We are not some theoretical law firm hoping to take on hazing cases “someday.” We are aggressively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now in Harris County, Texas, against a national fraternity and a major university, similar to the universities and colleges that students from Hanover County attend. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, hog-tied, force-fed until he vomited, and pushed to such extreme physical exertion that his kidneys failed. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. And he wasn’t even an enrolled student yet.

This is the kind of aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we bring to every hazing case, and it’s the same commitment we extend to families in Hanover County, Virginia. We know the tactics of these organizations, we understand the devastating impact of their actions, and we possess the experience and insight to hold every responsible party accountable.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Hanover County Families Need Us

The crisis of hazing is pervasive, reaching far beyond the headlines. It impacts institutions near Hanover County, Virginia, as much as it does those in Texas or any other state. Parents in communities like ours, known for their strong family values and supportive environments, send their children off to college expecting them to thrive, not just survive.

Hazing is endemic in Greek life, sports teams, clubs, and even academic organizations nationwide. Statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• Forty percent of student athletes report hazing.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.

These numbers are not abstract; they represent real lives shattered, futures derailed, and families devastated. The institutions that host these organizations, and the national bodies that govern them, often turn a blind eye until a tragedy forces their hand. They react by suspending chapters, issuing statements of concern, and promising “investigations,” but too often, these actions are hollow gestures designed to protect their reputations rather than genuinely reform a dangerous culture. For Hanover County families, this means the risk is real, and the need for expert legal intervention is critical.

Hanover County, with its rich history and commitment to quality education, is home to a community whose children aspire to attend institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in nearby Richmond, the University of Richmond, William & Mary in Williamsburg, or the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. These are respected institutions, yet hazing knows no institutional boundaries. The same national fraternities and sororities with problematic histories have active chapters at these and other universities throughout Virginia. Parents in Hanover County preparing their children for college must understand that the threat of hazing is not remote; it is very real and present at colleges where their children may enroll.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Hanover County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This case didn’t happen in Virginia, but the practices exposed in it are happening right now, in secret, at colleges just like those your children attend. The same national organizations operate near Hanover County, and the same negligence exists at institutions across the country, including those in Virginia. We will fight for Hanover County families with the same aggression and dedication we’re bringing to this pivotal case.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him being hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was only a prospective member, a “ghost rush,” not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student.

This shocking incident is not theoretical; it is actively being litigated. We filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, naming numerous defendants, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• The chapter president, pledgemaster, and 11 other individual fraternity members, including a former member and his spouse at whose residence some of the hazing occurred.

Here’s what happened to Leonel, as exposed in our lawsuit and confirmed by media reports:

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating waterboarding. He was also threatened with further waterboarding. This is torture, a war crime when done to enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted on a young student trying to join a fraternity.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. After vomiting, he was forced to run sprints while clearly in physical distress and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while exercising under duress. He was even physically struck with wooden paddles. On November 3, 2025, after missing an event, he was subjected to such an intense workout that he collapsed and could not stand without help.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were threatened with physical punishment or immediate expulsion for non-compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, which, combined with the rigorous physical demands, led to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences:
The extreme physical exertion and brutal treatment led to Leonel being rushed to the hospital on November 6, 2025. His symptoms included severe muscle pain, difficulty walking, and most alarmingly, passing brown urine – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, requiring intensive medical treatment. His very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the extensive muscle damage. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition that can lead to permanent kidney damage or death. Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Responses:

• The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events, calling them a “clear violation of our community standards,” and stated that individuals found responsible could face “expulsion and potential criminal charges.”
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, just seven days before our lawsuit was filed. Their statement admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” but also audaciously declared, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a blatant lack of remorse, an expectation that this will blow over, and a deep-seated institutional problem focused on self-preservation, not student safety.

Why This Matters to Hanover County Families:

• Pattern of Abuse: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, with many active at universities near Hanover County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at fraternities nationwide. This is not an isolated incident; it is a systemic problem.
• University Complicity: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Hanover County have the same power and responsibility to regulate Greek life and protect students on their property, and they are equally liable when they fail to do so.
• National Organizations Knew: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership knew about hazing risks; tragically, another student, Andrew Coffey, died in 2017 in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State University. They had 8 years to fix their culture and failed. Our lawsuit alleges they knew of a “hazing crisis” and did nothing.
• A Message That Resonates: Our $10 million lawsuit sends an undeniable message: there is a severe price for torturing and endangering students. Hanover County families can use the same legal strategies to hold these powerful entities accountable and protect future generations.

As Lupe Peña publicly stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe this with every fiber of our being, and we are prepared to bring the same fight you see unfolding in Houston to families in Hanover County.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

Many parents and students in Hanover County may have outdated notions of hazing, imagining harmless pranks or inconvenient tasks. We’re here to tell you that hazing today is far more sinister, a brutal regime of physical and psychological torture. It is designed to degrade, humiliate, and control, often leading to severe injury or death.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it is a chilling example of modern hazing tactics:

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: While not the primary cause in Leonel’s case, forced binge drinking remains a leading cause of hazing deaths. Students are often coerced into consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, sometimes leading to fatal alcohol poisoning, as seen in the tragic deaths of Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey.
• Physical Brutality: This includes beatings, paddling with objects (such as wooden paddles in Leonel’s case), branding, forced prolonged physical exercises to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), sleep deprivation, and extreme exposure to the elements or confinement.
• Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As Leonel experienced, this dehumanizing act pushes victims to the brink of suffocation, inflicting severe psychological trauma and physical danger.
• Forced Consumption of Non-Alcoholic Substances: Pledges are made to eat disgusting or harmful concoctions, often until they vomit, further degrading and sickening them.
• Psychological Torture: This involves relentless verbal abuse, humiliation (like being forced to carry sexually explicit objects or strip in public), isolation from friends and family, threats of violence or social ostracism, and mind games designed to break down a person’s will.
• Sexual Hazing: Sadly, hazing can also involve forced nudity, inappropriate touching, or even sexual assault. This is a profound violation that leaves deep, lasting scars.

Medical Consequences Beyond the Physical:
The injuries extend far beyond visible bruises and broken bones:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This severe muscle breakdown, which Leonel suffered, can be deadly and leave lasting kidney damage.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The direct cause of many hazing deaths.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or violent shaking.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme cold or heat.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
• Infections: From injuries that are left untreated or become contaminated through unsanitary hazing practices.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Hazing victims frequently suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and lifelong trust issues. Leonel’s own fear of retribution for speaking out is a testament to this psychological impact.

For families in Hanover County, understanding these realities is critical. Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is criminal behavior. We are prepared to expose every aspect of this abuse and seek justice for your child.

Who Is Responsible

When a child from Hanover County is subjected to hazing, the chain of responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. Our experience, particularly with the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, has demonstrated that numerous parties can and should be held accountable. This approach ensures that we target not just the foot soldiers, but the institutions and leaders who enable these destructive cultures.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members:
This is where the hazing originates. The chapter members, particularly the officers like the president and pledgemaster, directly organize and participate in these activities. In Leonel’s case, we named the chapter and 13 individual members who actively engaged in the abuse or permitted it to occur. These individuals are directly liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and criminal hazing.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization:
Every Greek letter on a university campus in Virginia, or anywhere else, is backed by a national organization. These national bodies have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant. They had actual knowledge of hazing dangers, most notably demonstrated by the death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017. Despite this, they failed to implement effective safeguards, leading to Leonel’s hospitalization. Their quick suspension and closure of the UH chapter, followed by their defiant “we look forward to returning” statement, highlight their calculated approach to liability rather than genuine remorse. These national organizations often have millions in assets and extensive insurance policies, making them a crucial target for meaningful compensation.

3. The University or College:
Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on their property or within organizations they sanction. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents are key defendants because UH owned and controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing happened. Furthermore, UH had a documented history of hazing; a student was hospitalized in 2017 in a similar incident involving another fraternity on their campus. This prior event established their institutional knowledge and their failure to act effectively to prevent future hazing. Universities have significant resources, endowments, and insurance coverage, making them another “deep pocket” responsible for systemic failures. We rigorously pursue universities and colleges that prioritize their reputation over the safety of the students from communities like Hanover County that they recruit.

4. Chapter Advisors and Alumni Boards:
These individuals and groups often provide “oversight” and guidance to local chapters. If they knew, or reasonably should have known, about hazing activities and failed to intervene, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse are defendants because hazing occurred at their private residence, implicating them for premises liability and facilitating the abuse. Alumni groups often control housing corporations, influencing chapter behavior through financial and advisory roles.

5. Insurance Carriers:
The true financial recovery in these cases often comes from the numerous insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s policies). As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge, understanding precisely how these carriers think, operate, and attempt to minimize payouts. We leverage this insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for our clients.

When we take on a hazing case for a Hanover County family, we don’t guess who is responsible. We meticulously investigate, using our comprehensive knowledge of Greek organizational structures and university governance, to identify every entity and individual who played a role in the abuse. This ensures every avenue for accountability and compensation is pursued.

What These Cases Win

The goal of a hazing lawsuit is not just to punish wrongdoers but to provide justice and meaningful compensation to victims and their families. The suffering and losses incurred from hazing are immense, encompassing debilitating physical injuries, profound psychological trauma, academic setbacks, and, in the worst cases, wrongful death. We seek compensation for every dimension of that suffering, and over the years, landmark hazing cases across the nation have demonstrated that these victims can, and do, win multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

For families in Hanover County considering legal action, these precedents offer powerful proof that justice is attainable:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event at Bowling Green State University.

• Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity along with individual members settled for $7.2 million, bringing the total public recovery to over $10.1 million. In a separate civil trial in December 2024, the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
• Relevance: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held deeply accountable, and even individual perpetrators face severe personal liability.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning in 2017 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual called “Bible Study” at LSU.

• Outcome: A jury found the fraternity responsible and awarded the family $6.1 million. Criminal convictions for negligent homicide also followed. This tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Relevance: This verdict shows that juries nationwide are willing to award multi-million dollar sums for hazing deaths, sending a clear message to fraternities and universities that negligence will not be tolerated.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911, and security cameras captured much of the horrific ordeal.

• Outcome: While the exact settlement amount remains confidential, it is estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, with some serving prison time. Pennsylvania also passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Relevance: This case underscores that when evidence of egregious conduct and institutional failure is strong, settlements can reach staggering amounts. It emphasizes the importance of aggressive evidence preservation and the long-term impact of these cases on legislation and university oversight.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case
Tragically, Andrew Coffey died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event at Florida State University.

• Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached, though the amount remains confidential.
• Relevance: This is crucial for the Bermudez case because it demonstrates Pi Kappa Phi National’s documented history of deadly hazing. They had eight years between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization to enact change, and they failed, proving a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference that will heavily influence our pursuit of punitive damages.

What Does This Mean for Hanover County Victims?
These multi-million dollar outcomes prove several critical points for Hanover County families:

• Value of Life and Suffering: The legal system recognizes the immense value of a student’s life and the devastating impact of hazing injuries.
• Accountability for All: Not just the individual perpetrators, but the national organizations and universities that allow these cultures to fester are held financially responsible.
• Strong Deterrent: These massive payouts serve as a powerful deterrent, forcing long-overdue changes in policies and practices.
• Justice Beyond the Criminal System: Even if criminal charges are dropped or reduced, civil litigation provides a separate and often more impactful route to justice and compensation.

Our firm is committed to achieving similar justice for Hanover County victims. We understand the physical pain, the emotional anguish, and the financial burden that hazing inflicts, and we fight tirelessly to recover full and fair compensation for every aspect of your suffering.

Texas Law Protects You

While Hanover County is in Virginia, understanding the legal framework of hazing laws, especially in a state like Texas where our firm is based and currently fighting a major hazing battle, offers invaluable insight. Most states, including Virginia, have anti-hazing statutes that define hazing, outline criminal penalties, and define institutional responsibility. Crucially, federal civil rights claims and general negligence principles apply nationwide.

Here’s a look at the types of legal protections available and how they apply to victims like Leonel Bermudez, and by extension, to hazing victims from Hanover County:

Texas Hazing Laws (Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157):

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging… if the act: (1) is any type of physical brutality… (2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement… calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm… (3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage… (4) is any activity that induces… the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code; (5) involves coercing… the student to consume… a drug; or an alcoholic beverage… in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated.”
   • Application: Leonel Bermudez’s case satisfied multiple aspects of this definition, including physical brutality (wooden paddles), sleep deprivation, exposure (sprayed with hose in cold), calisthenics (500 squats, 100 pushups leading to rhabdomyolysis), and forced consumption (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns).
2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing can be a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class A misdemeanor if it causes “serious bodily injury” (which Leonel’s kidney failure certainly qualifies as) and a State Jail Felony if it causes death.
   • Application: The University of Houston spokesperson even hinted at “potential criminal charges,” recognizing the severe criminal implications of the actions.
3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations “condone or encourage hazing” or whose officers/members engage in it, commit an offense and can face fines and denial of operating privileges.
   • Application: Both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization are clearly liable under this provision.
4. CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law, and a principle echoed in many states and increasingly recognized by courts. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.“
   • Application: This demolishes the common defense used by fraternities: “he agreed to it,” or “he could have left.” The law recognizes that consent under duress or within a coercive environment is not true consent. For Hanover County families, this means your child cannot legally consent to being hazed, regardless of how the fraternity tries to spin it.

Civil Liability Theories Applicable Nationwide (and in Virginia):
Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide a powerful avenue for victims to recover damages. These legal theories form the backbone of any hazing lawsuit, whether in Texas, Virginia, or any other state:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. It asserts that the university and national organization had a duty to protect students, breached that duty by allowing hazing to occur, and this breach caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case where UH owned the fraternity house) or by an alumni housing corporation, those entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to oversee Greek life activities on their campus.
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact (e.g., hitting, forced physical acts).
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly “outrageous” conduct that causes severe emotional suffering, a claim often applicable in extreme hazing cases involving psychological torture or severe humiliation.
• Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue significant damages for their loss, suffering, and the economic impact of losing a loved one.
• Conspiracy: If multiple parties conspired to engage in or cover up hazing, they can be held jointly liable.

For Hanover County families whose children attend universities across Virginia, it is vital to know that these legal principles mean you have strong recourse. Just as we are using the full force of Texas law and broader civil liability theories to fight for Leonel Bermudez, we are prepared to apply these principles to your child’s case, regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us strategic advantages in litigating against national organizations that operate across state lines.

Why Attorney911

When your family in Hanover County faces the unimaginable trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate landscape of hazing litigation and knows how to win. Attorney911 is built for these fights. We combine decades of courtroom experience, an intimate knowledge of the opposition’s playbook, and unwavering dedication to our clients. We are not a general practice firm dabbling in hazing; this is a focused fight, and we are leading it.

Here’s why families in Hanover County, Virginia, choose Attorney911:

1. Active Hazing Litigation Expertise: We are not theoretical. Our firm is currently litigating the groundbreaking $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, representing a hazing victim who suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded and physically abused. This is real-time, in-the-trenches experience directly relevant to your situation. We know what it takes to build these cases from the ground up, gather the necessary evidence, and confront powerful institutions.
2. Unparalleled Insider Knowledge: Both Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, and Lupe Eleno Peña, our associate attorney, are former insurance defense lawyers. This is a critical differentiator. They spent years working for the insurance companies and corporations, learning their strategies, valuation methods, and tactics for minimizing payouts. Now, they use that invaluable insider insight against them. For families in Hanover County, this means we anticipate the defense’s every move, dismantle their arguments, and force them to offer fair compensation.
3. Proven Track Record Against Major Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s career includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a colossal mass tort case against one of the largest corporations in the world. This experience proves our capacity to take on and win against equally formidable adversaries like national fraternities and major universities, regardless of their resources or influence.
4. Nationwide Reach with Local Expertise: While headquartered in Houston, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends to Hanover County and across America. Our firm is admitted to federal courts, and our attorneys hold dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities that operate in multiple states. We utilize video conferencing for initial consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Hanover County, Virginia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance will never be a barrier to seeking justice for your child.
5. Aggressive, Data-Driven Approach: We don’t guess. We operate with one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, containing IRS data, legal names, EINs, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every potential defendant from the outset. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we didn’t just sue the chapter; we sued the national organization, the housing corporation, the university, its board of regents, and 13 individual members – including a former member and his spouse. This meticulous approach ensures no responsible party escapes accountability.
6. Empathetic and Client-Centered Care: We understand that Hanover County families coming to us are in crisis. Our firm prides itself on being empathetic, warm, and highly responsive. We treat every client like family, offering direct communication, clear explanations, and unwavering support throughout the complex legal process. As our client testimonials show, we go above and beyond, making our clients feel heard, valued, and fiercely represented. As Chad Harris, a satisfied client, said, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
7. No Upfront Cost for Hanover County Families: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. Our fee is contingent upon us winning your case. If we don’t recover for you, you don’t pay us. This arrangement removes the financial barrier, allowing any Hanover County family, regardless of their economic situation, to access top-tier legal representation against powerful adversaries.
8. Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For members of Hanover County’s Hispanic community, our firm offers fully bilingual services in Spanish, ensuring that language is never an impediment to understanding your rights and receiving comprehensive legal support. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, is fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to Texas heritage.

Our firm’s philosophy, articulated by Ralph Manginello, is simple: “I started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” For your family in Hanover County, experiencing the legal emergency of hazing, we are that trusted, aggressive, and professional help. We are ready to turn your pain into powerful action.

What To Do Right Now

The days and weeks following a hazing incident are critical. Emotions may be raw, confusion may be high, and the urge to confront those responsible can be overwhelming. However, making the right moves immediately can significantly impact the strength and success of any future legal claim. For Hanover County families, taking swift, decisive action is paramount.

Here’s our urgent, step-by-step guidance for any Hanover County family or student who has experienced hazing:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If they are injured, physically ill, or experiencing psychological distress, get them to a doctor, emergency room, or mental health professional immediately.
   • Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and prognoses are thoroughly documented. These medical records are the cornerstone of your legal case, providing undeniable proof of harm.
   • Even if injuries seem minor: Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel Bermudez’s case), might have delayed symptoms. Psychological trauma can also manifest over time. Get it checked out.
2. Preserve All Evidence — Absolutely Everything: Hazing often happens in secret, and those responsible will try to erase their tracks. You must act quickly to secure evidence:
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the location where hazing occurred (if safe to do so), and any items used in hazing. Continuously photograph injuries as they heal.
   • Communications: Crucially, save and screenshot every single communication. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages (even disappearing ones, screenshot them!), Instagram DMs, emails, fraternity group chats, and any social media posts related to the incident or fraternity activities. These often contain direct evidence of coercion, instructions, or admissions.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
   • Witness Information: Gather names and contact details for any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have seen or heard anything.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any educational expenses (e.g., tuition for a semester disrupted by the trauma).
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel:
   • No Statements: Do not give any recorded or unrecorded statements to fraternity/sorority leadership, chapter advisors, university administrators, or their lawyers. They are not on your side; their goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
   • No Confrontation: Resist the urge to confront perpetrators or seek an explanation directly. This can jeopardize evidence and risk further retaliation.
   • Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any waivers, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them. You could unknowingly waive your legal rights.
4. Stay Off Social Media: This is paramount. Anything your child posts, or anything their friends post about them, can and will be used by the defense to discredit their claims.
   • No Details: Do not post about the hazing incident itself.
   • No “Happy” Posts: Do not post photos of your child looking “fine” or engaging in activities that contradict their stated injuries or distress.
   • No Deleting: Do not delete old posts. This can be seen as destruction of evidence.
5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Virginia, like in Texas, is typically two years from the date of injury or death. This may seem like a long time, but evidence can disappear quickly, memories fade, and responsible parties may take steps to conceal their actions.
   • Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can assess your Hanover County case, explain your legal options, and begin the critical process of evidence preservation.
   • Distance is Not a Barrier: Even though our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Hanover County families nationwide. We offer video consultations and are committed to traveling to Virginia for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
   • No Upfront Fees: Remember, we work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

This is a legal emergency. Just as Leonel Bermudez’s family acted swiftly to file their lawsuit within weeks of his hospitalization, prompt action is essential to securing justice. We understand the fear and anger you may be feeling, and we are here to guide Hanover County families through this difficult time with strength, expertise, and compassion.

Contact Us

If your child in Hanover County, Virginia, has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are not alone. Your family deserves justice, and those responsible – including the individuals, the national organization, and the university – must be held accountable. At Attorney911, we are actively fighting this battle right now, and we are ready to bring that fire and expertise to your case, no matter where you are in Hanover County or anywhere in America.

Our firm is aggressively litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, a landmark case against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t just theory; it’s our daily fight, and we know how to secure multi-million dollar outcomes for hazing victims. We apply the same data-driven strategies, the same relentless pursuit of justice, and the same compassionate advocacy for every family we represent.

Hanover County Families: Don’t wait. Time is critical, and your legal rights have deadlines. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.

🚨 Hanover County Families: Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now!

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 to take your call. Hazing emergencies don’t keep business hours, and neither do we.

No Upfront Cost. No Risk. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
We understand that the financial burden of legal action can be daunting, especially on top of medical bills and emotional distress. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing to hire us, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows Hanover County families to fight against powerful institutions without financial risk.

What to do Right Now: Your Urgent Checklist:

1. Seek Medical Care: If your child has injuries, get them immediate medical attention. Document everything.
2. Preserve Evidence: Save every text, email, photo, video, and social media post. Do not delete anything.
3. Do NOT Talk to Them: Do not speak with anyone from the fraternity, the university, or their insurance companies without consulting us first. Do not sign any documents.
4. Contact Us Immediately: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The statute of limitations, typically two years in Virginia for personal injury, means delays can jeopardize your case.

We Serve Hanover County Hazing Victims — and Victims Nationwide:
While our principal offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims extends far beyond. Hazing is a national scourge, affecting universities where students from Hanover County attend, whether it’s Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, William & Mary, or institutions across the country.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases against national organizations regardless of state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: We hold licenses in Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages in national litigation.
• Convenient Consultations: We offer video consultations for Hanover County families, making it easy to connect with us remotely.
• Willingness to Travel: We will travel to Hanover County, Virginia, for critical depositions, client meetings, and trial proceedings as necessary. Distance will not deter our pursuit of justice.

We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Hanover County.
• Hanover County sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs.
• Clubs and organizations at Hanover County area schools.
• Military academies and other student groups that use abusive initiation rituals.

A Message to Other Victims of Hazing:
If you witnessed hazing, or if you yourself were hazed alongside Leonel Bermudez or in another incident, your voice is crucial. What Lupe Peña said is true: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us. Your bravery can help hold these organizations accountable and save lives.

We are Attorney911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. We stand ready to fight for your child, just as we fight for Leonel. Let us bring your legal emergency to an end.

You can learn more about our firm and our commitment to justice by visiting our website, attorney911.com, and exploring the legal insights offered by Ralph Manginello on his attorney bio page at attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ and Lupe Peña’s page at attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.